Menu

05/11/17  Des Moines

Mom's principles were there even when she wasn't

On the eve of college graduation, Anthony looks back at a childhood in which he spent much of it feeling isolated, living away from his mom. And yet he never can forget the four principles she instilled in him at an early age and that guide him to this day.

About the speaker

Anthony Pawnell Jr.

Anthony Pawnell Jr. graduates this month from Drake University with a major in law, politics and society. He’s also a poet and dances with the Super Sick Crew. When he first became a poet, he “could only write when it rained outside,” as if “Mother Nature was telling everybody to be quiet.” Pawnell, 22, was born in St. Paul, Minn. He was raised by a single mom, but spent much of his childhood in suburban St. Louis, separated from her. He intends to study for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and pursue law school, likely also at Drake.